WASPS boss Warren Gatland blames Harlequins' relegation from the Premiership on a lack of ambition.

The straight-talking Kiwi insists he takes no pleasure from Quins' demise but says they only have themselves to blame.

"If you plan for mid-table mediocrity then at some stage you are going to get caught with your pants down," he said. "Unfortunately Quins were the team this year that got caught with their pants down."

By contrast Wasps have been English champions for the past two years and will play in a third straight Premiership Final if they can beat Sale at home tomorrow.

"At Wasps we aim to be number one, a bad season for us is finishing in mid-table," Gatland added. "But when a mid-table finish is your aim a bad season can have serious consequences."

Quins' relegation is bad news for London rugby fans as there is now no capital-based team playing in the Premiership - Wasps having abandoned any thoughts of returning to Loftus Road.

They are due to announce today that they have extended their agreement with Wycombe Wanderers to play at the Causeway Stadium for the next two seasons, with a view to making the move permanent during that time.

Gatland has already snapped up prop Jon Dawson from Quins and he revealed last night that he has his eye on another three players at The Stoop.

"Simon Keogh and Jeremy Staunton are two players we'd love to get our hands on and young full-back Tom Williams is a real talent," he said.

Quins immediately issued a hands-off warning.

Team manager Mike Scott said: "All our players are under contract, none have get-out clauses and we are not releasing them. We want to keep as much of the squad together as the budget will allow."

It remains to be seen whether Dean Richards, the incoming Director of Rugby, takes the same view.